Lindsay publishes list of 11 omitted American songwriters after NYT Magazine ranking
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Apr 28
Lindsay publishes list of 11 omitted American songwriters after NYT Magazine ranking
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Apr 28
Critic Lindsay highlighted 11 songwriters, including Randy Newman, Billy Joel, Tom Waits, Alynda Segarra, Frank Ocean, and Neko Case, who were left out of the New York Times Magazine's '30 Greatest Living American Songwriters' list.
Lindsay's list aims to spark a broader conversation about the subjectivity of artistic greatness and encourages readers to participate in the Magazine’s ongoing poll for their own selections.
The original NYT Magazine list was compiled by over 250 music insiders and critics, featuring major artists like Taylor Swift and Jay-Z, but has prompted debate over notable omissions.
Why were titans like Billy Joel and Randy Newman deliberately left off the NYT's 'greatest songwriters' list?
Does the NYT's list favor poptimism, unfairly snubbing rock and indie legends?
Which snubbed songwriters do the list's own creators now regret leaving off?
Who are the rising songwriters like Alynda Segarra that critics argue should have been included?
How did Taylor Swift, the youngest honoree, earn her spot among legends like Bob Dylan and Stevie Wonder?
What does it mean to be a 'great' songwriter in 2026, and how has the definition changed?